SHAFAQNA – Ali Ibn Muhammad al-Hadi was the tenth Imam of Islam. A man of restraint and piety, he, like his forefathers before him, faced incredible hardship as men sought to deny his truth, and legitimate authority in the name of greed.
Following is an account which was related by a gifted writer going under the name of Comet.
“Once during the time of Imam Hadi, the ruling tyrant: Motevakkel ordered his soldiers to bring our dear imam to his party by force if necessary to make him drink with them. The Imam declined and said “God witnesses that our blood has never been mingled with wine”. Motevakkel then asked him to sing. Imam Hadi excused himself and urged his company not to insist. As they did, the Imam then recited the following poem, offering wisdom to those empty hearts tyrants carry.
Power
So many mighty men through the history
Built on this land palaces of glory
Leaning in comfort, in high grandeur
Filled their castles with endless luxury
Worrying their lives, so around the palace
Arrays of guardians, armed are placed
So that all those strong fulfilling outfits
Keep death away at the farthest distance
But the gloomy death arrived all of a sudden
Took the wicked immoral by a grab at the neck
They moved to the other side just like other men
Took nothing but their words and deeds in the end
Over-indulgent bodies of those tyrants
Embraced by the soil, out of all sights
Depressed by their dishonesty and vice
They are asked suddenly in such a loud voice
What happened to that pride and pompousness?
On the soil of grave you have laid your face!
Where did that conceit and vanity go missing?
That you became equal to a poor human being!
Where are all those jollities, games and funs?
Those faces, groomed, cosmetics and make-ups!
Angel of death shut your shameless stares
Soil of misery on your face in layers
Neither bed, nor comfort, jewelry or gem stones
Once silky faces, now invaded by worms
You passed too and left your belongings
Did you take accessories, except for grave clothes?!
One day the knot of the age will be untied
The mystery of dim night will be divulged
A dear is on the way, by his emersion
Every compass will point towards Mecca
Commentary on Imam Sajjad’s (AS) Treaties of Right (Part 20)